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Our team of experts have reviewed the top home security systems from the UK’s leading providers.
Improving the security of your home is crucial for your mental health and well-being. Our experts have rounded up the best home security systems on the market, including details of all the hardware and features they come with and who they’re best suited for. Our best home security system overall comes from SimpliSafe, thanks to its customisable, easy-to-install products. That said, there are plenty of other contenders that may better match your needs.
In this guide, we explain the benefits of home security systems and the easiest way to install them, so you can set your system up properly and rest easy knowing you’re well protected.
Simplisafe offers a wide variety of packages that suit all types of home, from flats to large, detached properties with gardens. Since every home requires different protection measures, Simplisafe caters to every lifestyle. As well as a self-monitoring plan, the company even offers an on-demand professional monitoring plan, letting homeowners decide what’s best for their home.
Exclusive deal: Get 40% off with code FMB40OFF at checkout
Exclusive deal: Get 40% off with code FMB40OFF at checkout
With over 148 years of experience, ADT offers tailor-made home security systems for every home. ADT’s all-inclusive service provides professional monitoring by the company’s dedicated alarm receiving centre for peace of mind for its customers. ADT is one of the best options for professional monitoring and installation, with systems catering to smart homes to those with pets.
In addition to having a comprehensive installation process, Verisure offers bespoke packages from start to finish. The company assesses properties, creates bespoke security systems and offers professional monitoring. Verisure also allows you to customise your system with a choice of sensors, sirens and Arlo security cameras with night vision.
(image credit: SimpliSafe)
EXCLUSIVE DEAL: Get 40% off at SimpliSafe with code FMB40OFF at checkout
Who’s it right for?
With a broad range of systems, SimpliSafe is suitable for any size property.
Who’s it not for?
SimpliSafe is not suitable for households that require professional installation.
SimpliSafe offers a range of home security packages at different price points. The included devices are ideal for DIY enthusiasts, as they are easy to install, but you can opt for professional installation from £133.
Devices found in SimpliSafe packages include a base station, motion sensors, cameras and entry sensors. You can customise each package – and add to them over time – to create a fully bespoke system suited to your house and security needs.
SimpliSafe offers two paid plans, both of which include live monitoring, cellular connection and 24/7 flood and extreme temperature monitoring. On top of this, the more expensive Pro Premium plan also includes emergency service dispatch, unlimited recording and 24/7 guard response, allowing for a fully comprehensive set-up.
Cost
SimpliSafe’s cheapest package, The Foundation, contains 5 pieces and starts at £284.96, while its most expensive package – a 13-piece indoor and outdoor system called The Edinburgh – costs £674.87.
SimpliSafe often runs sales on its systems and accessories, making it likely you can invest in a system for a lower cost. You can currently get 40 per cent off a SimpliSafe system with the exclusive code FMB40OFF.
Our recommendation
If you’re looking for tailored, cost-effective home protection, with or without professional monitoring, SimpliSafe is an excellent choice.
| Provider | Best for | Starting price | Review | Find out more |
 Visit SimpliSafe |
Best overall | £284.96 | SimpliSafe review | Visit Site |
 Visit ADT |
Professional monitoring | By quotation | ADT review | Visit Site |
 Visit Verisure |
Bespoke packages | By quotation | Verisure review | Visit Site |
 Visit Abode |
Affordability | £168.99 | Abode review | Visit Site |
 Visit Yale |
Best no contract system | £190.00 | Yale review | Visit Site |
 Visit Ring |
DIY installation | £219.99 | Ring review | Visit Site |
 Visit Arlo |
Tech enthusiasts | £399.99 | Arlo review | Visit Site |
*Prices accurate as of 30/09/2024
To find the best systems on the market, our experts spent hours looking into the biggest home security brands and the packages they offer.
To determine the best system for each type of household, we examined the pros and cons of each system and its included features. We included packages at a range of different price points to suit all budgets, as well as customisable kits for those who are after a bespoke security system.
Buying a home security system is an investment in your personal safety. After all, its purpose is to protect your family and property from threats such as burglary, fire, home intrusion and flooding.
When deciding on the best systems, we consider the following factors:
For more information, read our article on how we research and review home security systems.
(image credit: ADT)
ADT is one of the biggest names in home security, with over 150 years of experience. The company does not offer quotes directly on its website; instead, it sends qualified technicians to your home to provide a quote and give you a rundown of the elements that would work best for you.
The custom packages provided are comprehensive and professional, and the subscription fee of £36.99 per month ensures 24/7 monitoring of your home for further peace of mind. Our testing shows that ADT is best suited for those in larger houses who are after an all-inclusive and reliable alarm system.
For households seeking constant professional monitoring and a flexible and customisable set-up, Verisure is one of the best home security system brands. Within 24 hours of receiving your initial quotation, professional installers will arrive at your home to get your system up and running, resulting in minimal delays once you’ve picked your preferred system.
Due to the professional installation required for each system, Verisure is better suited to homeowners. For renters, Abode, Ring and SimpliSafe are better options.
Abode is one of the cheapest home security solutions on the market, with its starter system costing just £168.99. All its packages can be easily installed without professional assistance, with the option to subscribe to the Pro Plan for 24/7 monitoring.
If you’d like to increase your home security but don’t want to break the bank, Abode is one of the best options. Due to the low cost and DIY nature of the installation process, the brand is also ideal for renters who cannot commit to permanent fixtures in or outside the home.
Yale is best suited for homeowners who want a home security system without the fuss of a monthly subscription plan. While the company does provide two different plans that offer 24/7 professional monitoring and cloud recording, users can still enjoy control via the Yale app, email notifications, geofencing and free local storage.
Compatibility with Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Philips Hue allows you to control smart home devices within your home using the Yale app. Yale’s wide array of devices, from alarms to indoor and outdoor cameras, allows for some customisation if you want to branch out from the standard packages.
Ring is an affordable, highly customisable security system that can be easily installed in your home. Due to the simple interface and set-up of Ring’s gadgets, its devices are ideal for elderly people or for those who don’t feel comfortable working with more advanced systems.
Ring is a compact yet comprehensive home security system that includes all the necessary basics and is scalable to your needs, giving you the freedom to choose the devices that are right for your home.
Arlo is one of the few home security systems to offer a wide array of high-definition devices; the Arlo Wireless Video Doorbell, Essential Indoor and Essential Outdoor cameras all have a 2K resolution, making this the ideal brand for tech-savvy homeowners who want to keep a keen eye on their property.
Selected Arlo devices also come with live video streaming in 4K, as well as activity zones and person, animal and vehicle detection to reduce false alarms. Note that these features are only available with the Arlo Secure subscription or above.
| SimpliSafe | ADT | Verisure | Abode | Yale | Ring | Arlo | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Best overall | Professional monitoring | Bespoke packages | Affordability | No contract system | DIY installation | Tech enthusiasts |
| Upfront costs | From £284.96 | Quotation only | Quotation only | From £168.99 | From £190 | From £219.99 | From £399.99 |
| Starter package elements | 1x base station, 1x keypad, 1x entry sensor, 1x wired indoor camera | Packages custom to house type | Packages custom to house type | 1x security hub, 1x key fob, 1x mini sensor | 1x sync hub, 1x keypad, 1x motion detector, 1x mini contact sensor, 1x water sensor | 1x base station, 1x alarm keypad, 1x alarm contact sensor, 1x alarm motion detector, 1x alarm range extender | 1x wireless video doorbell, 2x solar panel charger, 1x essential 3 cameras |
| Monthly fees | From £15.99 | From £36.99 | From 32 | From £7.99 | From £3.50 | From £4.99 | From £4.49 |
| Installation type | DIY or professional | Professional | Professional | DIY | DIY or professional | DIY | DIY |
| Contract required | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Professional monitoring | Yes (optional) | Yes | Yes | Yes (optional) | Yes (optional) | Yes (optional) | No |
| Power outage backup | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cellular backup | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Smart home compatibility | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home | Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Samsung SmartThings |
Cost is an important factor when picking a home security system. The initial outlay should be within your budget, but you must also account for the monthly fees of a subscription service.
Below, we have ranked all the best home security systems based on their cheapest package. For your reference, we have also included the most expensive system from each company.
| Home security system | Cheapest package | What’s included? | Most expensive package | What’s included? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Abode | £168.99 (Abode Security Kit) | Security Hub, mini sensor, key fob | £384.99 (iota All-In-One Security Kit) | iota starter kit |
| Yale | £190 (Sync Smart Home Alarm – 5 Piece Bundle) | Smart Hub, motion detector, door/window contract sensor x2, key fob | £549.98 (Sync Smart Home Alarm 14-Piece Kit with White All-in-one Camera) | Smart hub, yellow siren, motion detector x5, door/window contact sensor x4, keypad, key fob, all in one camera – white |
| Ring | £219.99 (Alarm Pack) | Base station, alarm keypad, alarm contract sensor, alarm motion detector, alarm range extender | £489.92 (Alarm, Indoor Camera 2nd Gen + Battery Video Doorbell Pack – L) | Base station, alarm keypad, alarm contact sensor x4, alarm motion detector x3, alarm range extender, video doorbell, indoor camera |
| SimpliSafe | £284.96 (The Foundation) | Base station, wired indoor camera, keypad, entry sensor | £371.12 (The Edinburgh) | Base station, motion sensor x2, key fob x2, wired indoor camera, keypad, temperature sensor, wireless outdoor camera, entry sensor x3, water sensor |
| Arlo | £399.99 (Starter Home Security Kit) | Essential Spotlight Camera x3, Essential Wireless Video Doorbell, Solar Panel Charger | £1,199.99 | Base Station, Floodlight 2K Camera, Ultra 2 4K Camera x4, Essential Wireless Video Doorbell and Chime 2K, Solar Panel Charger |
Whatever your budget, be sure to consider the devices included with each package, as you don’t want to overpay for components you won’t use. Many providers allow you to customise packages to better suit your needs.
As you weigh your options against your budget, also consider monthly fees. Most providers offer at least two subscription services, which unlock various features. These usually include 30-day video storage, live viewing and 24/7 professional monitoring.
Subscription plans are not always necessary, but they make your system more well rounded and can offer extra peace of mind. If you decide to go for a subscription, it’s important to compare the features and prices offered by the various home security providers. Below, we’ve listed the subscription services available from each provider and the features they include.
Home security systems are made up of multiple electronic devices that work in tandem to protect your home and increase surveillance. For a closer look at how these systems work, see our SimpliSafe review, which covers our pick for the best home security system.
Most home security systems include the devices listed below.
According to a report from Statista, from 2022 to 2023, there were 275,919 burglaries in England and Wales, while the Office for National Statistics estimates there were around 1.5 million “neighbourhood crime” incidents in the year ending September 2023.
Smart home systems allow you to remotely control smart devices, such as thermostats, plugs, lights, and crucially, home security systems. Smart home devices can be connected to different ecosystems including Amazon Alexa, Google Home and Apple HomeKit.
Smart home systems are ideal for tech-savvy households looking to streamline everyday tasks. For example, to save power, a smart thermostat can be programmed to turn on and off at different times of the day.
If you own these types of gadgets, you’ll want to ensure your smart home security system will integrate well with your existing ecosystem. Below, we’ve listed the home security systems that work best with each smart home technology brand.
Many brands work with multiple ecosystems, although it’s worth noting that, of the 3 most popular smart home platforms, Apple HomeKit is usually the least likely to be supported.
There are multiple factors to consider when deciding on the best home security system for your needs. Below are some of the most important things to take into account.
The type of property you live in will have the biggest impact in determining the right home security system for you.
Those who rent should look for DIY home security systems, especially wireless systems that don’t require drilling into walls or permanent installation. Abode and Ring are two of the best options for renters.
Homeowners typically have more freedom in terms of installation. Arlo offers packages with multiple outdoor cameras and floodlights, ideal for households with a garden or driveway. SimpliSafe also offers outdoor cameras, which can be installed without wiring; just a simple screw-in mount is needed to hold the camera in place.
If money is no object for your household, you have a wider array of systems to pick from. However, if you are working on a budget, consider more affordable packages. Currently, the cheapest systems come from Abode (£197.99) and Ring (£219.99), and they can be installed without professional assistance.
SimpliSafe also runs sales on its home security system packages at different times of the year. At the time of writing, all SimpliSafe packages are 45% off, making them much more affordable.
Some brands lock important features behind subscription fees, which will affect the overall cost of your system. If you don’t want to be locked into a costly monthly subscription, consider Yale – our top pick for the best no-contract home security system.
Professional monitoring plans are usually tied to a contract period. The duration of these can vary, with some brands requiring contracts that keep you locked in for months or even years.
With that in mind, consider whether you can afford a year-long subscription and the likelihood that you will be living in the same place for the full duration. SimpliSafe’s subscription plans can be cancelled at any time during the contract, making it one of the best choices for those who can afford a payment plan but don’t want a lengthy commitment.
To ensure you are building the right package for your home and getting the best price, take the time to compare a variety of ready-made packages and bespoke options.
Arlo, Abode, and Yale offer ready-made packages. Other brands such as SimpliSafe and Ring allow you to create your own packages from scratch or customise an existing system to your needs.
Meanwhile, ADT and Verisure go a step further by offering a bespoke package designed to suit your property as well as your personal needs. This is a lengthier process, which requires a technician to visit your property and assess which areas of your home require higher security. For that reason, it may work better for customers who prefer professional installation and a hands-off experience.
Your equipment should be high quality, easy to use and simple to install.
You can also find additional equipment from various providers which offer an extra layer of security. These devices can include:
If you live in a smaller property, it’s unlikely that you will need to invest in additional devices, as you should get good coverage with less equipment. If you live in a large property, however, installing more equipment may be necessary to adequately protect your home.
Any specific security needs can be catered to with the right equipment, but this could significantly change the overall price of your system.
Here are some common property features and the devices you can invest in to help keep your home safe.
DIY home security systems are just as effective as professionally installed systems and come with the added benefits of affordability and flexibility.
Most brands can be DIY-installed, although you must be comfortable using power tools when fitting certain products – most commonly video doorbells. Always check the instructions to ensure everything is set up correctly.
Professional installation is more expensive but will better suit those who prefer professional assistance. If you want to save money, consider hiring third-party technicians to install your system at a lower cost.
Many of the best home security systems can be installed at home without any professional assistance. For more guidance on how to install your system effectively, follow our step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Assess and plan
First, survey your home. Identify entry points and weak areas of security around the property. This should help you decide where to install your sensors and cameras. Also consider your equipment range and field of view.
Step 2: Install the central hub
Your central hub enables your different equipment pieces to communicate. You should wall mount it or place it on a table near a power source (if needed) that’s in a central location within your home. It’s crucial that your sensors and cameras can wirelessly connect to it.
Step 3: Install sensors
Door and window sensors usually have two parts – one for the frame and the other for the moving part of the door or window. Attach them by following the provider’s instructions. Motion sensors should be installed in the corners of your rooms, giving them an expansive view of the space.
Step 4: Install cameras
Security cameras are typically installed on front or back doors or in the main living area of your home. When installing cameras, always ensure the positioning is appropriate, based on their field of view, and that your wifi signal strength covers the area (the cameras will need to connect to your central hub via wifi). If your camera isn’t wireless, you’ll want to place it near a power source.
Step 5: Set up monitoring and your home security app
Download the home security app onto your smartphone from the app store, create an account and action any prompted on-screen instructions. In the app settings, you can set preferences for alerts, entry and exit delays and alarm volume – depending on your chosen system, you may have access to other features.
Step 6: Test your system
Activate your system via the app or your central hub. Make sure you test all of your sensors, alarms and cameras to ensure full functionality and communication with the central hub, making any adjustments as necessary.
Having the system installed by a professional puts less pressure on the homeowner, but there are still some factors to consider to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Home security systems are as vulnerable to cyberattacks as a mobile phone or a laptop. As such, it’s important to be aware of any risks that come with home security systems and what you can do to protect yourself and your home.
Home security systems can be targeted through phishing attacks, wherein the homeowner is sent illegitimate emails or text messages with dangerous links. Your system can also be hacked through its programming, although this is less common and requires a lot more skill. Finally, brute force attacks are also a possibility, in which a hacker will effectively try to guess your password until they gain access to your account.
You can avoid many of these issues by following common online safety practices, which we have detailed below.
While no single home security system will be right for every household, there are still certain features and devices to look out for. SimpliSafe is our top overall provider due to its quality devices and wide range of packages; however, other brands may cater more closely to your specific needs.
ADT is one of the best systems for those after professional monitoring, Arlo offers some of the highest resolution cameras on the market, and Ring and Abode are great picks for households on a budget that want to take a DIY approach.
Above all, to find the brand that best fits your needs, make sure you compare devices, subscription fees, features and costs of each system. For a deeper look at what’s currently on offer and how it can protect your home, check out our collection of comprehensive guides on home security systems.
Following our in-depth analysis, we believe SimpliSafe is the best home security system provider on the market. Its wide range of packages come with key security devices, including cameras, sensors and video doorbells. The company also gives customers the option of 24/7 professional monitoring with its subscription service.
Based on the brands included in this guide, the average price of home security systems is £411.43. Looking only at the cheapest system from each brand, the average price is £252.79.
ADT and Verisure were not included in our calculation since they only provide bespoke packages.
DIY home security systems are just as effective as professionally installed systems. That said, professional installations can bring you added peace of mind if you’re unsure of your ability to correctly install your chosen security system.
A DIY home security system tends to be cheaper and allows for more flexibility in terms of gadget placement and usage. To ensure you are getting the most out of your home security system, follow the instructions for each gadget and test each element to guarantee they’re working correctly.
Professional monitoring offers increased peace of mind and protection for your home. It can also help eliminate false alarms while still cracking down on real emergencies, whether from intruders or natural disasters like floods or fires.
Depending on the type of home security system and the brand, it’s possible to install a solution yourself. Some brands, such as ADT, encourage professional installation, while others, such as Ring, are known for their DIY products.
Abode is currently the cheapest home security solution, with its base package costing £168.99. Ring and Yale are two other affordable options, with packages costing £219.99 and £190, respectively.
Remember to always check which devices are included in each package, as you may find that Ring’s starter package will work better in your home than Abode’s. While more expensive, it will represent better value for money in the long run.
An article from Police.uk suggests that using CTTV, alarms and triggered lighting can help deter potential burglars from your property, as they are marked as higher risk than unsecured homes.
It’s important to understand that these devices will not make you immune to crime. However, these elements do act as a deterrent and can help you take action if you become aware – or suspicious – of a stranger on your property.
Our experts conducted hours of research to compile a list of the best security systems. Many options are available on the market, and each has its pros and cons. However, our list includes some of the best security systems for every possible need. So, whether you’re looking for a security system that’s affordable, easy to install or customisable, one of the above security systems will surely be an excellent choice.
A home security system is an investment in your protection, as its purpose is to keep your family and property safe from threats such as burglary, fire, home intrusions and floods.
When comparing the above systems, we considered the following factors:
Read more about how we review home security systems.
